Facts about heart failure medication
- Many medications have been shown to make people with heart failure live longer and feel better. These medications work in different ways. They may help by strengthening the heart’s pumping function or by reducing the amount of work that the heart has to do.
- Most heart failure medications are started off at a low dose and the dose is increased over several weeks to a “target” dose.
- It is normal for your dose to change frequently in the first few months. It may take several days or a week for your body to adjust to the new dose of medication.
- If you experience worrisome side effects (extreme fatigue, frequent dizzy spells, or fainting episodes) you should call your health care provider.
- It’s important that you learn the name, dose, frequency, and purpose of all your medications.
Classes of heart failure medications
- Medications for heart failure belong to several different classes (or families). Each class affects the heart in a different way, and you may need one from each group.
- It is important to understand how they work, and what the potential side effects are.
- These medication classes include beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) & angiotensin receptors, sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto™), ivabradine (Lancora™), diuretics (water pills), aldosterone antagonists, vasodilators & nitrates, potassium supplements.
- You may not be on all the types of medications listed above. If you are not on one of these medications and are wondering why speak to your health care provider.
Medication safety tips & advice
- Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not stop or start any medications without speaking to your health care provider.
- There may be some medications that your health care provider will tell you not to take if you are feeling sick and are dehydrated.
- Talk to your health care provider about your “sick day” list of medications.
- If you have difficulty remembering to take all your pills, ask the pharmacist to create a “blister-pack” for you. This ensures the correct medication is taken at the required time, every day.
- If you miss a dose of a medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
- Store your medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat, light, or moisture.
- Keep medications out of reach of children.
- Do not use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) or naproxen. These medications may make your heart failure worse.
- Ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies.
- Medications may have side effects. Sometimes these side effects go away with time or become less bothersome. If you are concerned about a side effect, speak to your health care provider.
Want more information?
- Speak to your Exercise Therapist or Heart Failure Nurse.
- View our other Heart Failure topics: Understanding Heart Failure; Tests, Treatments & Devices; and Heart Failure Self Management.
- View our other Heart-Healthy Education topics: Exercise & Vascular Health, Heart Healthy Eating, and Understanding Heart Medications.
- View this informational video on Entresto, and this informational video on diuretics.
- If paying for your medications is an issue, talk to your health care provider about the Ontario Trillium Drug Program